Kansas City Classic Recap (Class of 2018 Forwards)
Here is a look at some of the top Class of 2018 forwards from last weekend’s Kansas City Classic in Lawrence, KS
Clay Gayman 6’5″ KC Pacers Blue: The dynamic combo forward was an absolute force in leading the Pacers to the championship game of the Platinum Division. He is a bonafide matchup problem with his ability to post up and score over smaller defenders in the lane. Against bigger defenders, he stepped out and knocked down 3-pointers and drove around them for explosive slam dunks. He also continued his rebounding at a high rate. Clay has started to receive offers from Division II programs.
Marty Jackson 6’6″ NdaGym: One of the big revelations of the weekend, the long combo forward was getting buckets throughout the tournament, including a 37-point outburst during Friday’s pool play. He displayed a nice touch in the paint on post ups, put backs and dump downs off dribble penetration. He also showed an excellent skill set with his ability to step out and knock down 3-pointers and hit mid-range jumpers off the catch. He didn’t get a lot of run during the high school season because of injuries, but he’s making up for lost time. Very impressed after getting my first look at him.
Mason Fair 6’5″ MO Team Carroll: The beefy post player participated in just one game on Friday before leaving town to participate in a football camp, but it was a dominant 25-point performance in a victory. He was a load in the paint where he was able to hold his position and finish around the basket with a soft touch with his left hand. Mason grabs his share of rebounds with his physical strength and positioning.
Quinan Rieves 6’4″ NdaGym: The workaholic combo forward enjoyed another productive weekend in leading his team to a 4-1 record over the weekend. As usual, he did his best work in the low post with a variety of inside moves, but he also got out in transition and threw down a number of dunks on the break. He was also able to get buckets on drives to the hoop, short jumpers off the bounce and offensive rebounds.
Daryl Wright 6’5″ KC Magic: A blue collar combo forward with a nice skill set which makes him difficult to match up with. He is physically strong enough to handle the action in the low post, plus he has the ability to score inside and rebound well. Daryl can also put it on the floor and get to the basket and knock down an open 3-pointers against bigger defenders.
Thomas Libscomp 6’7″ KC Pacers White: A long and lanky combo forward from a very small Christian school who has an impressive skill set. He spent much of his time on offense playing on the perimeter where he can handle it, pass it and shoot it from long distance with confidence. He is also very agile for his size and he will develop into an even more attractive prospect with added physical strength.
Dominic Mitchell 6’3″ St. Louis Bearcats: The undersized combo forward had a productive weekend as a scorer, passer and rebounder. He displayed his versatility as he handled the ball quite a bit and did a nice job getting the ball to some hot shooting backcourt teammates. He is a very effective offensive player in the mid-post and low-post area with his crafty moves and old-school feel for the game.
Blake Brinkmeyer 6’7″ Kingdom Hoops Elite: A very active and athletic post player who got a lot done with his high motor. He was a strong finisher around the basket with a nice jump hook and several power dunks in traffic. He was also an aggressive shot blocker as well. He went up and blocked a potential dunk from an opposing player that was impressive.